DYS FXFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. EDO

county, as early as the reign of Kint; John Dysart and Baron Huntingtower, ; born in they afterwards acquireii Helmiiiaham, by 1794. He succeeded his grandmother, ma'-riage with the ilaugliter ami heir of Louisa, sixth Countess, in 1792". He mar-

Helniingham of Helmingham ; aivl several ried in 1819 Mary Elizabeth, daughter of of them served the office of High Sheritf of .SweenyToone, Esq., and has issue— William Norfolk and Suffolk. Reference is made to Lionel Felix, Lord Huntingtower, and other Collin's Baronetage, I. 70-76, for an children. account of thin ancient family. Lionel, DY.SART, Eliz.vbetb, Countess of, the second Earl of Dvsart, elde.-it mn of the eldest daughter, succeeded her father in the Countess, hail, during the lifetime of his title. She was a woman of uncommon mother, the style of Lcml Huntingtower, .and be.auty, .and of splendid talent;. She had a was chosen M.P. for O.Nfor(l, 1678 and 1683. wonderfid quick-ness ni ap|u'eheasion, and He succeeded his mother in the earldcmi of an auiaziug vivacity in conversation. She Dysart, 1690; was cliosen raeralier fi^r the liad studied not only divinity and history, county of Suffolk in 1()98 ; and re-chosen butmathematicsand philosophy. Cromwell 1700 and 1701. On the accession of Queen himself— the stern Cromwell—was unable to Anne he had the offer of the |iatent of a resist her blanilishments. She married, baron of England, which he declined ; and first. Sir Lionel Talmash of Helmingham, was a fourth time chosen for the county of in the couoty of Suffolk, Bart., who died in

Suffolk ; also high steward of Iiiswich, Earl of Dysart and Lord Hunt- ingtower, dated atOx'foril, Bart., and by her had a son, Lionel, Lord 3d Augu.st 1643 ; Huntingtower, who pre-deceased his fiither. and as these titles had been resigned into Li ird Huntingtower married Miss Henrietta the hands of His Majesty by the Countiss, Hesige, a relative of the Duke of Devon- he of new granted thera to the Countess, shire, by whom he had a son, Lionel, third and to such of her issue as she might nomi- Earl of Dysart, who succeeded his grand- nate in writing under her hand at any time father in 1726. He was invested with the of her life, and the heirs of such nominee, Order of the Thistle in 1743, and died in the eldest always succeeding without divi- if 1770, in his sixty-thii-d year. A grand- sion, a female ; and in failure of such daughter of his lordship, Maria Caroline nomination, then, and in that case, the Maimers, was married to Viscount Macduff, heirs whatever of the said Countess to suc- eldest son and heir-ajiparent of Alexander, ceed without division, with the former pre- third Earl of Fife, and dying at Edinburgh cedency. The Countess married, secondly, without issue, in December 180.5, was buried at Petersh.am, 17th February 1671-2, John, at Helmingham. A very picturesque and Duke of Lauderdale, K.G., His Majesty's beautiful portrait of this lady was published Commissioner for Scotland. After their in 1807, as follows :— marriage they made a progress round the country, where they were attended and re- " Stranger, or friend, in this faint sketch behold ceived with regal pomp and respect. All An angel's fieure in a mortal mnnid; of In human beant.v thou-^h the form excell'd. the power Scotland was vested in their hands for many years. His Each fe.ture yielded to the mind it held ; Grace died Heaven claim'd the spark of its ffitherial flame, 24th August_1683. The Duchess survived And earth return'd it spot'ess as it came : till June 1696, and was buried in Petersham So die the eond, the beauteous, and the kind. church on the 16th of that month. By the And. dying, leave a lesson to mankind." Duke she had no issue ; but by Sir Lionel Lionel, the fourth Earl of Dysart, was Talmash her Grace had eleven children, of born in 1736. He succeeded his father, whom six died young. the third Earl, in 1770; and dying in 1799, in the sixty-third year of his age, without issue, was succeeded by his brother, fifth Earl of Dysart, Wilbrahani, who was horn in 1739, and inherited the EDGAR, The Eight Rev. HErniT.- This estates of the Wilbrahams at Woodhey, in clergyman, whose name is omitted in all the Cheshire. He was an officer in the Royal catalogues annexed to the Episcopal Church Navy at an early age, and afterwards went History of Scothand, was consecrated at into the army. He attained the rank of Cupar, in Fife, on the 1st November 1759, major, and then retired. He died without by the Bishops White, Falconer, Rait, and issue, when the peerage devolved on his only Alexander. He was formerly pastor of a surviving sister, Louisa, Countess of Dysart, congregation at Arbroath. 'The reason of who was born in 1745, and married in 1765 the omission now mentioned is perhaps fur- John Manners, Esq. of Grantham Grange, nished by the circumstance that Mr Edgar in the county of Lincoln, by whom (who was at first appointed coadjutor to Bishop died in 1792) her ladyship had a large White. It is perfectly certain, however, family. She was succeeded by hergrandson, that he succeeded his principal in the super- Lionel William John Talmash, Earl of intendence of the district of Fife, and con- PIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ELL tinued to perform his dutiea, there as long friends he would have re-crossed the Atlantic as he lived. The period of his death is no- last year from interest in the causes and where recorded, but it admits of no doubt probable consequences of the deplorable civil that he survived his predecessor at least war now raging in the States. He had for several years. years said that he had outlived the American ELLICE, The Eight Hon. Edw.U!D, race of statesmen—that Calhoun, Webster, M.P., claimed no pedigree beyond his de- and Clay were the last of that class. He scent from several generations of freeholders said the old Anglo-Saxon m.aterial w.a3 stiU in the county of Aberdeen, believed to be left in sufficient abumlauee for a fresh sup- descendants of one original settler of their ply ; but that the intelligent, instructed, and surname who crossed the borders from the wealthy classes had thrown away the staff southern part of the island during the civil from their hands by the concession of uni- wars. His own family, we believe, in the versal suffrage, and an equal vote to every middle of the last century generally followed foreigner who had landed twelve months on agricultural pursuits, till his grandfather the shores of America. Tins fatal poUtical engaged in business in the Transatlantic mistake, he said, was aggravated by the States on the American war of independence. weakness of the Executive in a Feder.al Mr ElUce's father, a man of good commer- Union which separate States' rights. For cial business in the state of New York, years he had openly said in society, and being a loyalist, removed to Montreal, in WTitten to every correspondent at home and Canada. The f.ather there founded the great abroad, that a political crisis was impend- mercantile house of Inglis, EUice, & Co., ing, which could only involve an internecine and before the end of the last century the civil war—that a contest between Protection firm established a house in the city of and Free Trade, between slave and free London. The father had a large family of labour, and between the gentry of the South sons and daughters, of whom Edward, the and the men of the North, must ensue, termi- subject of our present memoir, was the third nating in a mortal strife. He was at Nice son. He was bom in Golden Square, Lon- when the first Wood was shed, and he wrote his opinion home that the contest woidd be

of considerable duration ; that it was one he remained there, or wh.at rank he gained practicaUy for " lioundaries" between the in competition with his schoolfellows, is two classes of States ; that in its earlier

unknown ; but the instruction of such a courses it would necessitate an inconvertible public school was obviously a great advan- paper currency, ending virtuaUy in national tage to him. He was then sent to the b.inkiTiptcy and grievious suffering; and Scottish University of St Andrews, where that the war must be fought out untU it he remained a considerable time. Mr EUice ended in the complete independence of the never claimed any great proficiency in the Southerners, or in their temporary conquest dead languages, but he used to say that at and social ruin. The latter result, through least he had acquired his own living tongue, good and evil report, he disbeheved ; but he and a love of ancient history and classical held that if the North succeeded by their biography. He also attended lectures on naval supremacy in subjugating or destroy- Logic, Moral Philosophy, andBeUes Lettres. ing the South, it would have eventuaUy the For a youth designed for commerce and the worst results for the Confederation. Indeed, office of a city merchant such an education he viewed the civil war as a "fact" as was of itself a good cajntal ; and he ever proof positive that such a vast extent of terri- expressed a deep gratitude to his father for tory and increasing population never could the superior education afforded him. From many years longer hold together in one na- St Andrews Mr EUice passed to the city tionahty ; that conflicting interests had and house as a clerk ; and there he formed would early rend the States in twain, his business habits, his unwearying power and that certainly their Federal form of go- of application, and his respect for punctu- vernment was the least calculated to keep

aUty. The exact duration of his city clerk- together such dissonant interests ; and that ship is not known, but he was early sent to the " EebeUion" was a precedent of revolu- Canada on business of the firm, who were tion, which would probably end in three or then among the largest shipowners in the four distinct governments. Mr Ellice, in world. He has stated that his first visit to uttering these far-sighted views, declared the United States was in 1803, more than that for a quarter of a century past some of half a century since. Mr Ellice at that the most able pubUo men of the States had time formed the acquaintance of many of expressed to him their conriction that the the families of the signers of the Declaration growing and boundless extension of the of Independence, and, we need scarcely say, States had altogether revolutionised the of the principal merchants and capitalists of representative system, and would render it the States. He made several voyages to the unmanageable. Ex-Presidents confessed to New World, and lastly, in 1850, he again him that thejr had not in truth been succes- visited the Northern continent, purely from sors of Washington, Jefferson, and Maddi- the interest of a traveller desiring to see son. Mr Ellice was therefore of opinion with his own eyes the social progi'ess since that the success of the North against the his previous visit, an interval of some years ; South would be the most fatal consequence and if he had not been restrained by his of the civU waj:, and would only hasten the ;

ELL FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ELL the clause of the English act enfranchising ultimate dissolution of the original Federal the metropolitan burghs. Mr EUice has the Union. Mr Ellice's publie life became at mterest. credit of the principal agency in the liberal his death the principal subject of adcUtion Lord Grey, by consent of WUIiam His early political opinions were certainly IV., made to the grades and number of the those half a century ago contemptuously after the Reform Bill became law ; designated as " Radical," and they clung to peerage, some of those titles were notoriously com- him more or less, throughout his pubhc con- pensations for the sacrifice of disfranchised career. He was the early friend and But when the great national companion of Burdett, Lord King, rotten burghs. stant happUy and peacefully ended, Radnor, Lord Althorj:!, and Sir John contest was Lord tired of his voca- Cam Hobhouse (Lord Broughton), and the Mr EUice was thoroughly After the new election he resigned occasional companion of some of Lord tion. the Secretaayship of the Treasury, and Byron's earliest "Hours of Idleness in no other office in the State. Indeed London. On the 3d of J uuc, 1809, he was desired had pressing afi"airs in the Canadas and in proposed by Lord Jersey, and elected a he the United St.ates requiring his personal member of Brookes' Club. In the latter the attention. He had taken his passage for society, and as the brother-in-law of another voyage across the Atlantic, when late Earl Grey, he was of course the asso- he reluctantly yielded to Lord Grey's pres- ciate of aU the leading Whigs of the past in accepting the Secretaryship at War, generation. Deshing a seat in the Lower sure with a seat in the Cabinet. This office he House of Parliament, in 1818 he first suc- held tiU the sudden dismissal of the Mel- cessfully contested Coventry, defeating Mr Jlinistiy in November 1834. On Butterworth, the London law publisher, a boiume event he went abroad, and was re- native of that city. Mr Ellice's colleague that Coventry in his absence—his was Mr Peter Moore. In 1830 he regained elected for brother, Mr RusseU EUice, representing his seat. Perhaps no representative of a official pubUe town was ever so long a popular him. From this period his large and no inducement could tempt member, or was allowed such independent life ceased, him again to take office. Such was his action in the House of Commons. The singular public character. He was a poli- truth was, th.it the member and his consti- " sui generis," and one who cannot be tuents thoroughly understood and trusted tician re-placed in this generation. Mr EUice was each other. Yet he often had to bear the least disinterested. PubUc life cost him a growl of a mob, always soothing them by at a fortune. It is weU known to his intimate his John Bull defiance, urbanity of manner, fiiends that the Secretary of the Treasury and ability of speech. In the Opposition inflicted on him a heavy loss, as he preferred minorities of the first three Parliaments, of promises he had mside in 1831-32, which he was a member, he commonly to keep hich the parly funds could not clear. A voted in Mr Hume's divisions, but now and peerage was within his reach, and yet un- then dividing with the majority when he because he preferred the station of a deemed Mr Hume's motions " Penny wise sought, commoner. He was at least no courtier in and pound foolish." On Lord Grey's ad- the vulgar sense of the term ; but he was a vent to office in November 1830, Mr subject of his Sovereign, and a firm EUice was apiiointed Joint Secretary of the loyal beUever in the superiority of a constitutional Treasury, having the poUtical department Not many days before his death, and "Whip" of the House of Commons. ntirchy. Inverness pubUcmeeting, he expressed no period of time was that position at the At plain eloquent words. The more arduous; and he was opposed by that loyalty in late Prince Consort much appreciated his friend Mr Hohnes, who always said his judgment on mUitary questions, and yet Mr that Mr EUice was the most fair, yet fight- EUice had the manUness in the House of in", opponent he had met in the field of Commons to condemn an appointment in politics. They continued friends till the favour of the Prince which he thought was death of the latter. On the dissolution of the right of old officers of long and hard 1831, Sir EUice, "virtute officii," was the service. On the first levee afterwards he principal m.anager of the general election. point of presenting himself, and he His strong common sense and moral com-ag( made a was gratified by a frank and cordial recep- were of signal service to the Reform interest tion. He ever retained his friendships, not- his relations, pubUc and private, to and poUtical differences. He pre- Lord Grey were of great service to the withstanding served his intercourse with Lord Derby, and Liberal interest and to the Whig party. He his friend the late Sir James Graham, and had also a large provincial connection among others of the old Tory and new Conser- leaders of the Liberal party, which with the local many years he had an exercised to the further advan- vative party. For influence he with Lord Pahnerston Government, and really on the occasional difference tage of the his points of foreign poUcy ; but on side of law and order. He was not a mem- on Lordship's accession to the Premiership, ber of the Committee of Four, who pre- EUice promptly and consistently sup- pared the first scheme of Reform for the Mr ported his Ministry. He said, "in the approval of Lord Grey's Cabinet ; but he parties and our foreign relations, was the Ufe and soul of the question among state of like Chatham, was the Prime Minister's best friends, and with Lord Pahnerston, the He did not always Lord Durham, and others, he stood fast by man for the times." 161 ;

FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. agree with Earl Russell, but he ever did days before his decease he remarked that at justice to that noble lord's services to the the age of eighty he could not expect to last Liberal cause. Mr Ellice was strongly op- much longer—that he had lived a long and posed to the agitation of further Reform in very happy life—that he was thankful for our representative system during the Cabi- such blessings—and was quite prepared to nets of Lord Aberdeen and Lord John relinquish them whenever the final summons Russell, because he thought the measures should come. And thus, happy in his death then proposed inopportune, and that they as in his life, one of the best, the kindest, would prove abortive in the state of parties. and most generous of men closed his honour- He predicted that neither would be read a able career, and passed swiftly and silently second time, and such was their still-born into the eternal world. fate. No man knew better by experience ELLICE, Edward, Esq. of Glenquoich, the difficulty and danger of a Government in the county of Inverness, M.P. for the St in proposing organic reforms not supported Andrews district of Fife burghs, is the only by the feeling of a nation. Mr Ellice son of the late Right Hon. Edward Ellice, received the honorary degree of Doctor of M.P. for Coventry. In 1834 he married Civil Laws from the University of St Katharine Jane, second daughter of an ex- Andrews, and he was a Deputy-Lieutenant tensive landed proprietor in Fife—namely, of Inverness-shire. He was the original the late General Balfour of Balbimie. Mrs

chairman of the Reform Club, mainly esta- Ellice died in 1864. Mr Ellice, jun. , sat for blished in 1834-5 by his influence. He was Huddersfield from May to July 1837, and the intimate friend of many French states- has represented the St Andrews burghs men of the Orleans dynasty, and of M. Thiers since the general election of Jidy 1837. As in particular. With many foreigners he a politician, he has been a consistent Liberal. maintained to the hour of his death confi- Inclination and opportunity brought him dential correspondence. He was true to into close contact with the most intelligent old friends, alike in adversity and in pros- and influentialmembers of the Liberal party perity. Such a man is no common loss to and, for the last quarter of a century and his country and to his many devoted friends. upwards, he may be said to have taken a The funeral of the late lamented gentleman lead in every mea.sure of reform which has took place on Wednesday, 30th September met the approval of moderate Liberals, and 1863, and was strictly of a private nature. has particularly distinguished himself by The place of interment is a wooded eminence, his cordial and indefatigable attention to near Ardochy Lodge, at the west end of the affairs of the county of Fife in general, Loch Garry—a retired and beautiful spot, to and especially of the burghs of Cupar and which the deceased used occasionally to repair St Andrews, Anstruther, and the other four in order to admire the varied and magnifi- coast burghs, which he has so long and cent scenery which the situation commands. faithfully represented. Throughout his The son of the deceased, Mr Edward Ellice, whole Parliamentary career, Mr Ellice has M.P., was the chief mourner, and a few been a consistent and uniform supporter of other relatives and friends were present. every practicable measure of socinl reform, The burial service was read by the Rev. Mr especially of an extended and unsectarian Swinburne of St John's Chapel, Inverness, system of education, and has always been Mr Ellice died intestate, leaving^ only a an opponent to all kinds of intolerance. memorandum desiring that he might be ELLIOT, The Family of. — Gilbert buried at the least possible expense near the Elliot, Esq., grandson of Gilbert Elliot of

place where he might happen to die ; and no Stobbs (who was ancestor of the celebrated invitations to attend the funeral were issued General Elliot, created Baron Heathfield except to those immediately connected with for his gallant and successful defence of

the family. . . The death of this eminent Gibraltar), was constituted one of the Lords and truly estimable man was strikingly and of Session in Scotland, when he assumed awfully sudden. He had for some years suf- the honorary designation of Lord Minto. fered severely from attacks of gout, and on He was subsequently appointed Lord Jus- the last day of his existence he complained of tice-Clerk, and created a baronet of Nova touches of acute pain, but these were merely Scotia in 1700. Sir Gilbert married Jane, flying symptoms which speedily passed off, daughter of Sir Andrew Carre, Knight of and when he retired to rest about eleven Cavers, county Roxburgh, and was suc- o'clock on Wednesday night,the 23d of Sep- ceeded by his son—Sir Gilbert, second tember above-mentioned, he was as eheerfid baronet, who being also bred to the bar, and apparently as well as he had been for was appointed Lord Ju.stice-Clerk, and years. Next morning, about seven o'clock, assumed the title formerly borne by his his servant entering his bed-room found him father, that of Minto. He married Helen, lifeless, one hand lying across his chest, his daughter of Sir Robert Stuart, Bart, of eyes closed, and neither his countenance nor Allan bank, and had issue—Sir Gilbert, position exhibiting the least trace of pain or third baronet. This gentleman filled several conflict. He had always prayed for such a high official situations, and was at one time peaceful exit, and it is worthy of remark a candidate for the Speaker's chair. He was that both his father and his brother. Captain a man of considerable political talents, and Ellice, died in the same sudden manner, possessed, likewise, poetical abilities of no without premonition or struggle. A few ler, as the celebrated song. 162 ELL FIFESHIKE BIOGRAPHY. ELP

" My sheep I neglected, I broke my sheep- which a code of laws, modelled on the con- hook," of which he was the author, suffi- stitution of Great Britain, was adopted. ciently evinces. He married Agnea Murray The French bad still a strong party in the Kynynmound, heir of Melguud, county island, who, encouraged by the successes o£ Forfar, and of Kynynmound, Fifeshire, by the French armies in Italy, at last rose iu whom he had issue—Sir Gilbert, fourth arms against the British authority. The baronet, born 23d April 1751, first Earl of insurrection at Bastia, the capital of the

Minto, of whom we presently give an inde- island, was suppressed in June 1796 ; but the pendent memoir. He married, 3d January French party gradually acquiring strength, 1777, Anna Maria, eldest daughter of Sir while sickness and diversity of opinion

George Amyand, Bart. , by whom (who died rendered the situation of the British very 8th March 1829) he had—GUbert Elliot precarious, it was resolved in September Murray Kynyimaound, P. C, G. C. B., following to abandon the island. Sir Gilbert county Eo.xburgh, second Earl, Viscount returned to England early in 1794, and in Melgund of Melgimd, county Forfar, Baron the subsequent October was raised to the peerage as Baron Minto, with the special distinction accorded him of bearing with his

1782 ; succeeded his father, 21st June 1814 ; family arms in chief the arms of Corsica. married, in 1806, Mary, eldest daughter of In July 1799 his Lordshi)) was appointed Patrick Brydone, Esq., and has issue- Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleno- William Hugh, Viscount Melgund, M.P., potentiary to Vienna, where he remained bom March 19, 1814 ; married, 20th May till the end of 1801. On. the brief occupa- 1844, Emma Eleanor EUzabeth, only daugh- tion of office by the Whigs in 1806, he was ter of the late General Sir T. Hislop, Bart., appointed President of the Board of Con- G.C.B., and has—Gilbert John, born 9th trol. He was soon after nominated Go-

July 1845 ; Arthur Ralph Douglas, bom vernor-General of India, and embarked for 17th Dec. 1846 ; Hugh Frederick Hislop, Bengal in February 1807. Under his ad- bom 23d February 1848 ; and another son. ministration many highly important con- quests were made by the British arms. He accompanied in person the successful ex- MOUND, Gilbert, first Earl of Minto, pedition against Java in 1811. For his ser- a distinguished statesman, eldest son of Sir vices in India he received the thanks of ParUaraent ; and in February 1813 was created Earl of Minto and Viscount Mel- gund. He returned to England in May 1814, and died on 21st June at Stevenage, education at a school in Englan on his way to Scotland. He was succeeded he was sent to Christ Church, O.^ford. He by his eldest son, Gilbert. subsequently entered at Lincoln's Inn, and ELPHINSTONE, The Familt of.— was in due time called to the bar. He after- Robert, third Baron Elphinstone, married wards visited the Continent, and on his re- Margaret, daughter of Sir John Drummond, turn was, in 1774, elected M.P. for Mor- and had issue—Alexander, who succeeded as

fourth lord ; John of Baberton (of whom presently) ; Sir James of Ennymochty, Americau war, he joined himself to the who was appointed a Lord of Session in Opposition, and was twice proposed by his 1586. He was constituted one of the eight party as Speaker, and was both times de- Commissioners of the Treasury, called Octa- feated by the Ministerial candidate. In vians in 1595 ; appointed Secretary of State January 1777, he had married Anna Maria, in 1598, and continuing to rise in the king's eldest daughter of Sir George Amyand, favour, the lands belonging to the Cistercian Bart., and soon after he succeeded his father Abbey of Balmerinoch, in Fife, were erected as baronet. At the Ijreaking out of the into a temporal lordship in favour of him- French Revolution, he and many of his self, his heirs male, and heh'S of tailzie, and friends became the supporters of Govern- provision by charter under the Great Seal, ment. In July 1793 he was created by the dated 20th February 1603, and he took his University of Oxford Doctor of Civil Laws. seat accordingly as a peer in Parliament by The same year he acted as a Commissioner the title of Lord Balmerino. His lordship for the protection of the Royalists of Toulon, was eventually tried and convicted of treason in France. The people of Corsica having for having in his capacity of Secretary of sought to place themselves under the pro- State obtained surreptitiously the signature tection of Great Britain, Sir Gilbert Elliot of his royal master, James VI., to a letter was appointed Governor of that island, and addressed to Pope Clement VIII., soliciting in the end of September 1793 was sworn in a Cardinal's hat for his kinsman, Drum- a member of the Privy Coimcil. Early in mond, Bishop of Vaison. He did not 1794 the principal strongholds of Corsica suffer, however, under the conviction. were surrendered by the French to the From this nobleman we pass to his

British arms ; the King accepted the sove- descendant—A rthur, sixth Lord Balmerino,

reignty of the island ; and on June 19, 1794, the staunch but ill-fated adherent of the Sir Gilbert, as Viceroy, presided in a Gene- house of Stuart, of whom we give presently ral Convention of Corsican Deputies, at an independent life. The second son, John 163 FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS

Elphinstone, left a son, Ronald Elphinstone, land, and was present with the corps de who settled in Orkney, and had two reserve at the battle of Falkirk. He suc- Harry Elphinstone, a captain in the Danish ceeded his brother as Lord Balmerino on

Guards, slain in battle ; and Robert Elphin the .5th January 1746, and a few weeks Btone, page to Prince Henry, eldest son of thereafter was taken prisoner at the decisive James VI. He left an only surviving son battle of Culloden. Being conducted to John Elphinstone, of Lochness Waas_, who London, he was committed to the Tower, " left, with other and brought to trial in Westminster Hall, Stuart justiciary, high admiral, and cham July 29, 1746, along with the Earls of Kil- berlam of the isles of Orkney and Zetland, marnock and Cromarty, both of whom and a colonel of militia, and John Elphin pleaded guilty. Lord Balmeiino, pleading Btone, whose son, J obn Elphinstone, of thi. not guilty, was remanded to the Tower, Royal Navy, married Anne, daughter of and brought back next day, when he was WiLliams, Esq., and left found guilty of high treason ; and on John Eljihinstone, a captain in the British August 1, sentence of death was passed navy, and admiral in the Russian upon the two Earls and his Lordship. The Admiral Eljjhinstone commanded the fleet Earl of Cromarty obtained a pardon, but of the Czar at the battle of Tchesme, and the other two suffered decapitation on Tower succeeded in destroying his infidel opponents. Hill, August 18, 1746. Lord Balmerino's He married Amelia, daughter of John War- behaviour at his execution was marked with burton, Esq., and died in 1785, leaving unusual firmness— and intrepidity. His last issue, Alexander, a grandson, a captain in words were " Oh, Lord ! reward my the British navy, and a noble of Livonia, friends, forgive my enemies, bless King claiming to be heir to the title of Balmerino, James, and receive my soul !" He had no were the attainder removed. He marriecl issue by his wife Margaret, daughter of AmeUa Lowback. John Elphinstone's Captain Chalmers, who died at Restalrig,

sixth son was horn on the 4th March 1773. August 24, 1765 ; and at his death the male He was major-general in the army, and Une of this branch of the Elphinstone family colonel-commandant of the Royal Engi- became e.xtinct. neers, C.B., having eminently distinguished ERSKINE of Mar. The Family of.— himself at the taking of the Cape of Good Of the title of Mar, Lord HaUes says-^ Hope, in Egypt, and during the whole of *' This is one of the earldoms whose origin the Peninsular War. He was created a is lost in its antiquity. It existed before baronet on the 3d April 1815, and married, our records, and before the period of genuine in 1803, Frances, eldest daughter of John history." Martacus, Earl of Mar, is wit- Warburton, Esq., by whom he had issue, ness to a charter of donation by Malcolm Louisa, married, lstOctoberlS32, to Robert Canmore, to the Culdees of Lochleven, of Ansti-uther, Esq. of Thirdpart, a major in the manor of Kilgad-Earnoch, in 1065. the 73d Foot, and Sir Howard Elphinstone, From this nobleman we pass to his de- of Suurby, in the county of Cumberland, scendant, Isabel, Countess of Mar. Her who succeeded his father as second baronet ladyship married, first. Sir Malcolm Drnm- on the 28th April 1846. mond of Drummond, who died without

ELPHINSTONE, Aethok, sixth and issue ; and, secondly, Alexander Stewart, last Lord Balmerino, was bom in 1088. He natural son of Alexander, Earl of Buchan, had the command of a company of foot in fourth son of Robert II. The first appear- Lord Shannon's regiment in the reign of ance of this person in Ufe was at the head of

Queen Anne ; but at the accession of George a formidable band of robbers, in the High- I. Designed his commission, and joined the lands of Scotland, when, storming the Earl of Mar, under whom he fought at Countess of Mar's castle of Kildrummie, he SherifFmuir. After that engagement, he obtained her ladyship in marriage, either by escaped out of Scotland, and entered into violence or persuasion. The Countess sub- the French service, in which he continued sequently made a grant free of all her till the death of his brother Alexander in bonours and inheritance to her second hus-

1733. His father, anxious to have him band ; and dying, without issue, in 1419, settled at home, obtained for him a free he- Alexander Stewart, designed, in right pardon from Government, of which he sent of the deceased Countess, Eail of Mar and notice to his son. then residing at Berne in Lord of Garioch—resigned those hcmours to Switzerland. He thereupon, havmg ob- the Crown, when they were re-granted to tained the Pretender's permission, returned him, 28th May 1426, in remainder to his home, after an exile of nearly twenty years, natural son. Sir Thomas Stewart, to revert, and was jojrfully received by his aged father. in case of failure of male issue to the latter, When the young Chevalier arrived in Scot- to the Crown. His Lordship was ambas- land in 1744, Mr Arthur Elphinstone was sador to England in 1406, and again in one of the first who repaired to his standard, 1407, when he engaged in a tournament when he was a)ipointed colonel and captain with the Earl of Kent. The following year of the second troop of Lite Guards attending ent to France and Flanders, with a his person. He was at Carlisle when it noble company, and eminently distinguished surrendered to the Highlanders, marched himself in the service

FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS

their Bishop, John of Bavaria. The Eiirl Grange. From the period of passing the commandeii the royal army iu the battle of bill of attainder, the earldom remained Hin-law, against the Lord of the lyles, iu under its influence, till the period of its re-

1411 ; and was apiioiiited Ambassador Ex- versal, through the gracious and speci.al

traordinary to Euyland in 1410 ; and soon recommendation of His Alajesty (Jeorge afterwards, Warden of tlie Miu'ches. He IV., by Parliament, 17th June 1824, in died in 1435, and his natural son, i favour of John Francis Erskine, Esq. , grand- tioned above, having predeceased him, the son of James, the brother of tlie last earl. earldom of Mar, according to the charter, His Loidship w-as bom in 1741 ; mamed, in reverted to the Crown, when it was claimed, 1770, to Frances, only daughter to Charles Floyer, Esrj., governor of Madras, by whom he had issue—with others, John Thomas, but though the descent was indisputably fourteenth earl, who man-ied, in 1795, established, the earldom was not conferred Janet, daughter of Patrick Miller, Esq. of upon the Erskines untU it had been enjoyed Dalswinton, and by her (who died 25th by four earls of different families, the last of Aug. 1825) had issue. whom was the celebrated Regent Moray, a ERSKINE, John Fbancis Miller, Earl period of 130 years having elapsed, when at of Mar and KeUie, 1457 Baron Ersldne and last it was restored, in 1505, bv (,>ueen Mary Garioch and Eari of Mar, 1603 Baron of to John, fitth Lord Erskiue,"who sliould of DMeton, 1606 Viscount Fenton, 1619 Earl right be sixth Earl of Mar of the Erskine of Kellie (Premier Viscount of Scotland)

race. This noljleman was apjiointed by bom 1795 ; succeeded his father as Earl of charter, in 1500, keeper of Stii'ling castle, Mar in 1828, and Methuen Erskine, tenth and heritable sheriff of the county of Stir- Eari of KeUie, in 1829; married, 1827,

ling ; and chosen regent of Scotland by Philadelphia, daughter of Sh- C. G. Stuart Parliament in 1571, during the minority of Menteath, Bart., who died in 1853. His James VL His Lordship married Anna- Lordship's father died in 1828, and left bella, daughter of Sir William Murray of issue—the present Earl ; Lady Frances TuUibardine, ancestor of the Dukes of Jemima, married, 1830, William James

Atholl ; and dying in 1572, was succeeded Goodeve, Esq. of Clifton, and has issue by his only son, John, seventh earl. This John Francis, heir-presumptive of the earl-

nobleman, who took a leading part in Scot- dom of Mar, and several daughters ; Lady tish affairs in the reign of James VI., ac- Jane Janetta, married, 1830, Edward Wil- comi^anied that monarch into England, and mot Chetwodo, Esq. of Woodbrook, and was sworn of the Privy Coimcil and invested has issue. The heir-presuiniitive of the with the garter, 27th July 1603. His Lord- earldom of Kellie is Walter Coningsby, sliip bad a charter, on his own resignation, grandson of John Francis, fourteenth Earl of the earldom of Mar, lordship of Strath- of Mar. don, Strathdee, Garioch, Alloa, &c., the ERSKINE, The Family of— Kellie heritable offices of captain of the castle of Branch.—The Hon. Sir Alexander Erskine Stirling and sheriff of the shii-e thereof, &c. of Gogar, fourth sou of John, fourth Lord to him and to his heirs, and erecting the Erskine, and brother of John, Earl of Mar, whole into the earldom of Jlar, 3d February Regent of Scotland, was born about the

- 1G20. His Lortiship married Anne, second year 1521. On the death of the Reg:ent in daughter of David, Lord Drummoud, and 1572, Sir Alexander was intrusted with the

had an only son, John, his successor, from custody of King James VI. , and the keeping whom we pass on to his descendant, J ohn, of the Castle of Stii-ling, wliere His Majesty

eleventh earl, K.T., and Secretary of State resided ; and he executed that important for Scotland in 1700, who succeeded his charge with honour and integrity. W hen the father m 1089. His Lordship attaching Earl of Mar .seized on the Castle of Stirling in himself, however, to the fortunes of the April 1578, he turned his uncle out of that Chevalier St George, and taking an active fortress, and became master of the King's part in the rising of 1715 (having proclainietl person. Sir Alexander Erskine was after- that personage by the title of James VII. wards constituted governor of the Castle of

of Scotland and III. of England), followed Edinburgh ; sworn a pri\'y councillor, and his royal master to the Continent after the was aji pointed vice-chamberlain of Scotland battle of Sheriffmuir, and was attainted by in 1580. Sir J ames Melville characterises Act of ParHament in 1715. He died in him as " a gallant well-natured gentleman, 1732, and Thomas, Lord Erskine, his only loved and honoured by all for his good vivingt^ijjy son, byoy hisnis Comitess,v^uiuiuehs, LadyAjAuy Mar-i*xa,i- quahties and greater discretion, no way garet Hiiy, daughter of Thomas, E;irl of factious or envious, a lover of aU honest Kinnoanoul, was commissary of stores at men, and desired ever to see men of good Gibraltar, and was elected ]M.P. for Stir- Donversatioii about the Prince rather than his lingshire, in a vacancy in 1747, and for the riwu frivnds, if he ftjuud them not so meet." He married, first, "\Iargaret, only daughter of George, fourth Lord Holme, by whom he

March 1766. The Jlar estate, which, had three suns and thiee daughters ; and with the titles, had been forfeited, was secondly, he umrried Magd.alen, daughter of purchased for him from government, by Alexander, hfth Lord Livingston. Sir his uncle, the Hon. James Erskine of Alexander Erskine was succeeiled by Sir 105 —

EKS FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS

Thomas Erskine of Gogar, his eldest of London, from which it appears he was Burviving son, who was bom in 1566 allowed to go to the Continent. Passing the same year with King James VI. ; over Alexander, the fourth earl, we come to and was brought up and educated with His Alexander, thefifth earl. Like his fathers, he

Majesty from his childhood, and came was attached to the race of the Stuarts ; and thereby to have a great share of the royal having been concerned in the aflair of '45, favour. The King bestowed on him many he was included in the Act of Attainder, marks of his special esteem, and appointed 1746. He surrendered himself, however, to Imn one of the gentlemen of his bed-cham- the Lord Justice-Clerk at Edinburgh on the ber in 1585. Sir Thomas had the good ] 1th July 1746, and was committed prisoner fortune to be one of the happy instruments to the castle of that city. No bill of indict- in the rescue of the King from the treason- ment being preferred against him, his lord- able attempt of the Earl of Gowrie, and his ship presented a petition to the Court of brother, Alexander Euthven, at Perth on Justiciary on the 8th August 1749, praying the 5th AuLfust 1600, having with his own to be brought to trial within sixty days, or hand killed the latter. For this signal to be set at Uberty. The latter alternative service he had the third part of the lordship was adopted, and he was accordingly libe- of Dirleton conferred ou him by charter, rated on 11th October 1749, after a confine- dated 15tb November 1600. In that charter ment of more than three years, and died at he is designed eldest lawful son of the de- KeUie Castle on 3d April 1756. Thomas ceased Alexander Erskine, Master of Mar. Alexander, sixth earl, succeeded his father, He accompanied the Duke of Lennox in his Alexander above noticed, iu 1756, and died embassy to France inJulylCOl. Attending at Brussels in 1781, in the fiftieth year of King James VI. into Eogland in 1603, he his age, unmarried. Colin Erekine, a cadet was the same year constituted captain of the of the Cambo branch of this noble house, Yeomen of the Guard, in room of Sir went abroad at an early age to study the art Walter Raleigh, and held that command tUl of painting at Rome, where he married a 1632. He was created Viscount of Fenton, lady of distinction, and had a son, Charles being the first raised to that degree of Erskine, born at Rome on the 13th February nobility in Scotland, by patent, dated ISth 1753. Charles was patronised by Prince May 1606, to him, and the heirs male of his Charles Edward, and by his influence ad- body, whom failing, to his heirs male what- mitted on the foundation of the Scottish soever. He had charters granted to him of College at Rome. He was placed under the following lands, baronies, and others, the Abbate Salo, the first lawyer in that viz. :—of Ryecroft, which formerly belonged city, for the study of law. Erskine drew up to the friars preachers of Stirhng, dated a memorial in a ca.se of impotency in Latin

27th June 1606 ; of a third part of Dirleton, in a style so truly classical, and with .such Halyburton, and Lambden, united into the delicacy of expression, that it attracted the barony of Fentonbarns, dated 15th Novem- notice and approbation of Pope Pius VI.,

ber 1610 ; of the barony of Kellie, dated 13th who rewarded the author by conferring ou

July 1613 ; of the lands which belonged to him the office of Promotore Delia Fide, the priory of Restennoth, united into the jocularly called the Avocato de Diavolo, it barony of Restennoth, dated lOth March being the province of that officer to oppugn

1614 : of the lordship of Pittenweem, dated on the part of the devU the claims of the

6th July 1615 ; of the lauds of Elbotle, saints to canonization. If be can detect the

Kingstoun, &c. , 6th August 1616 ; and of least flaw in their titles to the calendar they the barony of Fenteutour and Dirleton, cannot be passed, and so expert was Erskine dated 9th July 1618. Sir Thomas was that not a single saint was admitted the advanced to the dignity of Earl of KelUe, whole time he was " Devil's Advocate." to him and his heirs male bearing the name Charles Erskine was sent to England of Erskine, by patent, dated 12th March by the Pope in 1792 on a delicate diplo- 1619. He was invested with the Order of matic mission, that of the emancipation of the Garter; and dying at London, 12th the Roman Catholics, but was not recognised June 1639, in the seventy-third year of his by ministers in a public capacity, though he age, was buried at Pittenweem. He was was presented at court as a private gentle- succeeded as second Earl of Kellie by his man. During this visit he came to Cambo, Sundson, Thomas, in June 16.39. His and a mass of correspondence is in existence ordship took part with the King against in Fife which might probably be turned to the Covenantei-s in 1642, and died unmarried good account, for the Cardinal's hfe, though on 3d February 1643. Alexander, the third little known, was replete with incident, and Earl, was served heir to his brother Thomas, eventful with change. His portrait is placed above-mentioned, on 18th April 1643. He in Cambo House. He was raised to the was a steady loyalist, and was colonel of dignity of Cardinal Deacon in 1801 by Pius

foot for the counties of Fife and Kinross in VI. , on whose expulsion from Rome he was the " engagement" to attempt the rescue of sent a prisoner to France, and compelled to King Charles I. in 1648. At the Restora- reside at Paris. King George III. was tion his lordship accompanied His Majesty pleased to bestow on bim a pension of £200 King Charles II. on his expedition into a-year, and he died at Paris on the 19th the battle England ; was taken prisoner at March 1811, in the fifty -ninth year of his of Worcester in 1651, and sent to the Tower age. Ho was a delightful companion, a 166 " ;

ERS FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS

Scottish patriot, an excellent man, and a peculiarinthismusicianiswhat may be called sincere Christian. the velocity of his talents, by which he com- EKSKINE, Sir George, of Innertiel, posed whole pieces of the most excellent third son of Sir Alexander Erskine of music in one night. Part of his works are Gopar, and brother of the first Earl of still unpubUshed, and not a little is probably Kellie, was educated by Buchanan, along Being always remarkably fond of a with Kins James VI. He was, on the 15th concert of wind instruments, whenever he March 1G17, atlmitted an ordinary Lord of met with a good band of them, he was seized Session, in room of Sir James Wemyss of with a fit of composition, and wrote pieces Bogie. He was in 1621 appointed a com- in the moment, which he gave away to the missioner for regulating the tax roll of the performers, and never saw again ; and these, shire of Kincardine. He refused the Cove- in his own judgment, were the best he ever nant in 1638. On the 13th November 1C41 composed." His Lordship died at Brussels, an Act of Parliament was passed declaring unmarried, 9th October 1781, in the fiftieth year of his age. ERSKINE, Archibald, seventh Earl atit culpam. Sir George was the first judge of Kellie, was born at Kellie Castle, in the named in the new commission. He died county of Fife, on the 22d April 1736. He on the 2d July 1646, when Sir Alexander the second son of Alexander, fifth Earl, Gibson of Dury was admitted to his place. by Janet, second daughter of the well- According to Lord Hailes, he drew up some known Dr Pitcairn, physician in Edin- decisions of the Court while he sat on the burgh—(See the Family of Erskine). The bench, but no trace of these has been dis- subject of this memoir was educated in all covered. the ancient ]irinciples which characterised ERSKINE, Thomas Alex.\nder, sixth the race from which he had spnmg. He E.arl of Kellie, an eminent musical genius, was taught to consider the British con- eldest son of Alexander, fifth earl, by his stitution as the most perfect system of civil second wife, .Janet, daughter of Dr Archi- polity that the world hag ever seen ; the bald Pitcairn, the celebrated physician and prerogatives of the Crown as not less essen- poet, was bom on the 1st September 1732, tial to it than the most boasted privileges of

and succeeded his father in 1756. He pos- Parliament ; and loyalty to the sovereign sessed a considerable share of wit and as a virtue of high rank. With a mina on humour, with abilities that would have which these sentiments were deeply im- distinguished him in any public employ- pressed, he entered at an early period of

ment ; but he devoted himself almost exclu- life into the army ; but though he contmued sively to musical science, in which he in it for twenty-six years, he never obtained attained an uncommon degree of proficiency. a higher commission than that of major. During his residence at Manheim he studied For such very slow promotion it is not easy composition with the elder Stamitz, and to account. By those who served with him "practised the violin with such serious in the only considerable action in which he application," says Dr Burney in his History was ever engaged, his behaviour is said to of Music, " that, at his return to England, have been that of a cool and intrepid soldier there was no part of theoretical or practical by none who knew him will he be supposed music in which he was not equally well to have been other than scrupulously atten- versed with the greatest professors of his tive to his duty, and without valuing him- time. Indeed, he had a strength of hand self on that supei-ficial knowledge in tactics on the violin, and a genius for composi- which renders the conversation of some tion, with which few professors are gifted. officers so unpleasant, he was certainly well Unfortunately, however, led away by the acquainted with the common evolutions of pernicious fashion of the times, he became the army, and had read more on the art of more assiduous in the service of Bacchus war than many men of meaner birth, who th.an of ApoUo, and his almost constant in- have in a shorter period risen to the rank of temperance and dissipation tended seriously general. His monarchical and high church to impair his constitution. Robertson of notions, supposed, perhaps, to spring from Dalmeny, in his " Enquiry into the Fine the known attachment of the family to the Arts," styles the Earl of Kellie the greatest house of Stuart, may have retarded his pro- secular musiciac in his line in Britain. motion, so long as to speak contemptuously *' In his works," he says, *' the ferridum of that house was deemed the surest test of

inffenium of his country bursts forth, and loyalty to the reigning sovereign ; but to all elegance is mingled with fire. His har- who had the happiness of Major Erskine's monies are acknowledged to be accurate acquaintance, it must indeed be matter of and ingenious, admirably calculated for the surprise that, after these illiberal prejudices effect in view, and discovering a thorough were banished from the public mind, he was knowledge of music. From some speci- not rapidly raised to that rank to which by mens, it appears that his talents were not his long service he was so well entitled. confined to a single style, which has made his Although no man could be more feelingly admirers regret that he did not apply himself aUve to this treatment than he was, it never to a greater variety of subjects. He is said lessened his dutiful and affectionate attach- to have composed only one song, but that an ment to his sovereign, or tempted him for a excellent one. What appears singidarly moment to enlist himself under the banners 167 ;

FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. of any of those factions which disturbed the Government during George III.'s reign. He had not in his youth learned—nor in liis Earl of Kellie's time, however, was not to manhood could he be persuaded by all the be wholly devoted to rural amusements. arguments of public oratory, that _" the Being chosen one of the sixteen repiesenta- power of the Crown has increased, is in- tives of the Scotch Peerage in the Parlia- creasing, and ought to be diminished." ment which met at Westminster on the 2.5th But, neglected as he was by the Court, he November 1790, he had an opportunity of maintained through life that, in a mixed displaying the worth of his character in a Government like ours, the constitutional station more important than he had ever prerogatives of the Crown form the surest before filled ; and he did not disappoint the bulwark to the liberties of the subject. expectations of his friends. He was not When, by the death of his elder brother in indeed fitted, either by nature or by early 1781, he succeeded to the titles of his an- habits, to make a figure as an orator, nor cestors, and to the wreck of their fortune, would his good sense permit him to attempt he very justly thought that it became his what he was conscious he could not properly dignity to relinquish a profession in which perform, and what, when performed in the he had -met with so little encouragement most brilliant manner, he considered, per- and he soon afterwards disposed of his com- haps justly, as of no great importance ; but mission. For more than a century past, the he paid unwearied attention to the business affluence of the Earls of Kellie has not been which came before the House, and such equal to their rank, and it must here be added observations as he made on the different that the sixth Earl found himself under the questions on which he was to vote were necessity of selling the estate, which gave always to the purpose. As a legislator, he him his highest title, and which, during all acted upon the same monarchical and high the vicissitudes of their fortune, had hitherto church principles which he had uniformly remained in the possession of the family. professed as a private man, and, of course, To gratify some of his relations, he reserved he supported the measures of the Crown indeed the castle and a few enclosed fields against the systematical opposition of what about it ; but these were comparatively of so he deemed a faction. Attached, however, little importance that none but a man nobly as he was to the monarchical branch of the attached to the inheritance of his fathers constitution, he was by no means regardless would have thought of retiring from the of the rights of thesubject. Of his attention world in the prime of life to employ his time to them he gave some very convincing proofs and his taste in improving their beauty and by the active part which he took in procuring increasing their value. Such a man was liberty of conscience to two bodies of men, the subject of this memoir. Arcliibald, who even in this free country, and towards Earl of Kellie, as soon as he had quitted the the end of the eighteenth century, were liable army, resided for the greater part of the year to be legally prosecuted for worshipping at the Castle, which, without absurdly God after the manner of their* fathers. attempting to modernise its Gothic gran- From the era of the Revolution, when deur, or to change the form of its ancient Episcopacy ceased to be in Scotland the decorations, he converted into an elegant form of church government supported by and commodious house, every way suitable the State, penal laws had at different times to the dignity of its owner. Nor was his been enacted to prevent the bad consequences taste less successfully employed in embellish- of the attachment, whether real or supposed, ing his small domain than in adorning his of the Scotch Episcopalians to the abdicated mansion. At bis accession, though agricul- family of Stuart ; and two of these laws, tural improvements had for some time been passed in 1746 and 1748, were of such a making a rapid progress through Scotland, nature, that even in those days of party the lands of Kellie exhibited to the eye of prejudice and poUtical rancour, they were the spectator the same unadorned prospect, deemed injudiciously severe by enlightened varied only by pasturage and com fields, men of all descriptions. The avowed object which they must have exhibited half a of them was to eradicate disaffection to the century before ; but in the compass of a very Government ; but their obvious tendency few years they were, under his management, was to force from the communion of the made to assume the appearance of a garden. Episcopal Church every man of rank and

While his Lordship was thus embellishing opulence ; though it might have been clearly what remained of his paternal estate at an foreseen, that of these very few would, by expense which might have been supposed to compulsion, be made to unite themselves exhaust almost the whole of his income, he with the Establishment. "To be of no was enabled by the most judicious economy church is dangerous. Religion, of which to support the ancient hospitality of his the rewards are distant, and which is ani- house. Delicate, perhaps fastidious, in the mated only by faith and hope, will glide by choice of his companions, he was not indeed degrees out of the mind, unless it be in- encumbered by crowds of visitors, but those vigorated and reimpressed by external ordi- who were admitted to his table experienced nances, by stated calls to worship, and by at Kellie Castle that kind of entertainment the salutary influence of example." The which cultivated minds wish to receive from truth of this observation was fuUy verified men of rank ; they were sure to enjoy, if in the Scotch Episcopalians. Excluded from FIFESHIRE ETOGRAPHY. ER3 their own chapels, and prevented, by pride directed every important transaction of hia perhaps, as well as by principle, from fre- life ; and although, in the large circle of hia quenting the churches to which the hand of acquaintance, there were doubtless many power seemed inclinerl to drive them, the who did not regard him with the fondnesa reli^dous impressitins of their youth ^'radually of friendship, it is perhaps not too much to vanished from their minds ; and they were say, that Archibald, Earl of Kellie, had not exposed, unarmed, to the shafts of infidelity. a single enemy. Without pretending to Tile Earl of Kellie, whose princiijli great erudition himself, he loved learning

and learned men ; but he abhorred the cha- racter of a modern philosopher. Such Scotch Episcopal Church, had long regretted philosoiihers indeed as Newton, and Boyle, the restraints which were laid upon her and Berkely, and Johnson, he revered as the worship ; and to his unwearied exertions it ornaments of human nature ; but he could was chiefly owing that in 1792 those re- not speak without indignation of those who straints were removed by an Act of Parlia- were daily pretending to enlighten the world ment. In serving the cause of Episco)iacy with their discoveries in politic?, in morals, ' in Scotland hia Lordship was indeed serving and in religion. ' I have heard (said he, when himself ; but he was soon furnished with an on his death-bed) many infidel-arguments in opportunity of showing that he could act with conversation, and I have read some books equal energy from motives less interested. expressly written against the authenticity

The penal laws which oppressed the Scotch and inspiration of the sacred Scriptures ; Roman Catholics, as they were a still greater but I thank God that the most impartial disgrace to thestatnte-bookthan those which inquiry which I have bean able to make had so lately been in force against the Pro- into the truth of religion has confirmed my testant Episcopalians, every man of a liberal faith ; for, without that faith, how comfort- mind had long wished to see repealed ; but less should I now be." It was indeed that when it w;is proposed in 1778 to repeal some faith which, under very severe sufferings, of the severest of them, such commotions were excited in Scotland as frightened those who then guided the hehn of the State from uttered a comjilaint which wiiuld have dis- carrying into effect theur humane intention. graced a primitive martyr. His lordship's Men's minds, however, became gradually monarchical principles have been already more enlightened, and when the measure mentioned, as well as the attachment of his was resumed by the Administration, such family to the house of Stuart. He was him- relief was granted to the Romanists in Scot- self attached to that house, but not to such land, as, whether it entirely satisfied them a degree as to give reason to call in question or not, was highly grateful to the head of his allegiance to the family on the throne. their Church. This appears from different His was the attachment of gratitude, and medals, letters, and other testimonies of not the weak prejudice of Jacobitism, of gratitude, which, for his active endeavours which the following anecdote may be given to procure their emancipation, the Earl of as an instance : —In 1788, he received from Kellie had the honour to receive, as well a club or society in Edinburgh a letter, re- from the Sovereign Pontifl' as from other questing him to contribute to the expense of Italian ecclesiastics of very high rank. It a monument to be erected to the honour can therefore excite no wonder that his of King William, and to perpetuate the Lordship valued himself more for his exer- memory of what he did, at the Revolution, tions in behalf of the Scotch Episcoiialians for the religion and liberty of these nations. and Scotch Roman CathoUcs than for any His lordship, having read the letter, threw other action which he had ever performed. it from him with great indignation. "It This valuable Ufe was now drawing towards would appear (said he to a friend) that these a conclusion. Temperance had hisherto ex- patriotic gentlemen do not consider grati- empted him from almost every disease ; but tude as a virtue, or they could not have in July 1795 he exhibited some alarming thought of making such a request to me. symptoms. These, however, yielded to the The revolution of 1688 has indeed been pro-

)X)wers of medicine ; and his friends flattered ductive of many happy consequences, and themselves with the hopes of long enjoying on account of them I rejoice that it took the pleasure of his lordship's society ; but place ; but no good man can approve of the their hopes were quickly blasted. The motives which influenced the conduct of former symptoms soon returned with such King W^illiam on that occasion ; and surely aggravation as too surely evinced that his no man of the name of Erskine, whatever sufferings were occasioned by hydrothorax may be his opinion of the last James, will —a disease against which the skill of the contribute anything to show thus pubUcly physician is commonly exerted in vain. It that he rejoices in the downfall of an aucient was so exerted in the case of his lordship, house, by which his own family was raised who, after lingering long under this severe above the common rank of their fellow- distress, died on the 8th of May 1797. Of citizens." His lordship's private virtues his general character the reader must already were of the most amiable kind. He was a have formed some opinion. Inflexible in- dutiful son, an affectionate brother, a steady tegrity, a high sense of honour, and an un- friend, an obliging neighbour, and to hia shaken belief in the Christian reUgion, servants a kind and indulgent master. He NO. xxn. 109 —

FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS professed a quick discernment of whatever and has issue. He is Lieutenant-Colonel

was wrong or ridiculous ; and in small par- of the Fife Rifle Volunteers, is a resident ties, consisting of men whose principles he proprietor and useful country gentleman, approved, he was not unwilling to expose and discharges all his public duties in a it, for there his conversation was easy, and faithful and efficient manner, to the satis-

his humour was exquisite ; whilst in mixed faction of all classes. companies, and even before a single stranger, ERSKINE, The Hon. Henry, third son he generally preserved a dignified silence. of Henry David, Earl of Buchan, was born By those to whom he was not intimately at Edinburgh on 1st November 1746. His known this silence was thought to proceed health being originally delicate, the early from the pride of birth ; but it was in truth part of his education was of a domestic the offspring of taste and diffidence—of tutor, possessing considerable taste which Wewed an ideal perfection to talents, having been for some time resident which diffiderce would hardly permit him under the paternal roof, who superintended to aspire. That he had a due value for the studies, not only of Henry, but also of noble birth, is indeed known to all who his brother, who was ennobled in England, a-s knew him ; but, he valued it only for the and became Lord High Chancellor of Great reason which has been already mentioned, Britain. After the domestic education he was so far from thinking that it could alluded to, the Earl of Buchan removed with atone for the want of personal worth, that his family to St Andrews, and resided there no man more heartily assented — to the maxim ral years, for the purpose of his sons of the Grecian chief " Nam genus et pro pursuing their classical and philosophical avos et quce nou fecimus ipsi, vix ea nostra dies at that celebrated university, which voco." been long f.amous for producing distjn- ERSKINE, of Kellie, Thomas, Earl was hed men ; and in respect of such resi- horn in 174.5. He succeeded his nephew, dence the present memoir appears in this Charles, eighth Earl of Kellie, on the 28th work. As his p.atrimonial fortune was not October 1799. In 177.5, Thomas was ap- large, a profession became necessary for

pointed his Britannic Majesty's Consul at Henry ; and the bar and the army present- Gottenburg, Marstrand, and other ports on ing the only two avenues to fortune usually the western coast of Sweden. He was trod by the sons of great families in Scot- elected one of the sixteen representatives of land, he was early destined for the law, the Scotch peerage on the 14th November while his younger brother, Thom.i.s, at first 1804, on the vacancy occasioned by the de- adopted the sword, and latterly the gown.

cease of the Marquis of Tweeddale ; and Henry Erskine was called to the bar at the was again chosen at the general election in age of twenty ; possessed of polished manners, 1807. His lordship, in addition to his in- an imagination warm and ardent, with a heritance of Kellie Castle and Canibo House ripe and precocious judgment. At an early estates, made extensive purchases of land in age he had cultivated the Muses, and refined the East of Fife. The London Gazette, of both his language and his mind by poetry. 12th July 1808, notified that the King had These all operated in a certain degree to been pleased to give and grant unto the render him conspicuous, and to enable him Right Hon. Thomas, Earl of Kellie, his to introduce some degree of grace and purity royal license and permission to accept and into his pleadings—rare ornaments at that wear the ensigns of a Knight Commander time. Another arena for the display of hia of the Royal Order of Vasa, conferred upon talents was not long in presenting itself him by His Majesty Gustavus Adolphus namely, the General Assembly of the Church IV., king of Sweden, and to order that this, of Scotland. This, it is well known, is a His Majesty's (King George III.'s) conces- representative body, in which both clergy sion, be recorded in the College of Arms. and laity appear annually, by deputies from Methven Erskine of Ardrie succeeded his their respective synods and presbyteries, at brother, Earl Thomas, in the earldom, and Edinburgh ; and it has been termed "the at his death the title merged into that of best theatre for deliberative eloquence to he Mar, but it is understood that these earl- found in Scotland." It was here, indeed, doms will be again disjoined, and the titles that the indefatigable Viscount Melville, and honours of Mar and KeUie be inherited who left no moment of his life unoccupied, by two distinct noblemen. Sir Thomas first prep.ared himself for the more profitable

Erskine of Cambo, Bart. , the present pro- contentions of the senate. Here, also, prietor, is the great-grandson of Earl Henry Erskine, no longer trammelled by Thomas, and great-grandnephew of Earl technical niceties, exhibited the first speci- Methven, both of whose estates he inherits. mens of his oratory. As he possessed a ERSKINE, Sir Thoma.s, of Cambo, deep sense of religion even in his juvenile Bart., was born on the 23d .July 1824, and years, and w.as ze.ilnuslj' attached, from succeeded his father as second baronet. He conviction as well as eduiation. to the Pres- was the son of Sir Darid Erskine of Cambo, byterian faith, lie alw.-iys maintained and Bart., who was born on 16th February asserted tlie siiiwrior excellence of this sys- 1792; married, 27th August 1821, Jane tem, both with respect to its tenets and its Silence, daughter and heiress of the Rev. discipline. Such sentiments, coupled with Hugh Williams of Conway; and died at adue consideration of bis talents and lineage, Cambo in 1841. Sir Thomas is married, rendered him respectable ir ERS FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. ERS

gree iu the eyes of his colleagues ; and, as a ble to avow it with impunity. The mem- natural consequence, he was always listened bei-s of this distinguished family, however, to with the greatest deference and attention. boldly .osserteil their right to freedom of

Meanwhile, his practice increased apace, and thought and discussion ; and ojienlj- stigma- his abilities soon made him sought after. tized the American war as hostile, both in Besides, as he always distinguished himself its origin and progress, to the constitution. when he undertook to rescue innocence from At the conclusion of that contest, the merita persecution—to vindicate the cause of the of the subject of this memoir were not for- oppressed —or to support the claims of the gotten, as indeed it would have been im-

friendless tenant against the encroachments possible to have ovex'looked them ; for he or injustice of his landlord -he soon becanie a was now, if not the very first at the Scot-

very popular advocate. Norwas hisoinnion tish bar, at least in the foremost rank ; and,

as a lawyer neglecteil ; for no one could give in short, almost the only constitutional a readier answer to a case, or unravel an lawyer of any distinguished talents there. intricate knot with superior acuteness and Accordingly, when Lord North (afterwards precision. The period had now arrived—that Earl of Guildfoi-d) was reluctantly driven is, when he considered his independence from power, and the Rockingham adminis- Secured—when Mr Erskinethoughtit proper tration came into place, the office of Lord- to become a married man. His first wife Advocate of Scotland, a post far more im- was Christina, the only daughter of George portant than that of Attorney-General in Fidlartou, Esq., collector of the customs at England, was conferred upon Mr Henry

Leitli ; and by this lady he had three Erskine. This occurred in 1S02, after which dauglitei-s—EUzabeth Frances, who died he was immediately nominated a member young, Elizabeth Crompton, afterwards of Parliament. Lut his ojiportunities of Mrs CaUender, and Heiu-ietta, afterwards supporting the new administration were

M rs Smith ; together with two sons—Henry few, on account of its own ephemeral exist- and George. Although the la.dy, who was ence. On its retreat, he was immediately an heiress, brought hiui a handsome fortune, stripped of his official dignity, without the yet this circumstance did not tend to relax slightest ceremony, and his place was in-

his industry ; but, on the contrary, the sight stantly suppUed by a new candidate for of an increasing family contributed not a office, whose principles were, doubtless, little to increase his assiduity, and render more pliant, as well as more conform- him, if possible, even more careful and at- able to the wishes of the minister. teutive than before. We have ah-eady con- Twelve years retention of power on the templated Mr Erskine in the character ot a part of Mr Pitt precluded all hope of

lawyer ; but it still remains fur us t.> con- re-instatement or advancement on the part sider him as a poUtician. George Bueliauau, of a man who always exhibited an unvary- the preceptor of James ^'I., ni bis faiuuus ing unif

It has even been said that the word Wli iff Erskine was nominated Lord Chancellor, and ( WhirjyanJ is indebted for its origin to the his brother Henry once more became Lord

Covenanters in the west of Scotland ; but Advocate. On this occasion he was returned the principle made but little progress in the member for the burghs of Dumfries, Kirk- northern parts of the United Kingdom, cudbright, Sanc^uhar, Annan, and Loch- until the battle of Culloden, iu 1745, iJUt an maben, in the last session of the second end to all the hopes and pretensions of the Imperial Parliament, which met Janu.ary 21, house of Stuart. !RIr Henry Erskine, like 1806, in the room of Major Dah-ymple, who, his elder brother, was a Whig, and that, to make way for him, bad accepted of the too, at a period when it was scarcely possi- Chiltern Hundreds. On the dissolution, 171 ,

FIFESHIEE BIOGRAPHY. which soon after ensued, he wa& re-elected the scenery around it in strict conformity to

without opposition. This, however, liUe the his own taste ; and in employments such aa former Whig administration, at the close of these passed the remainder of his fife. He the American war, was not suffered to re- main long in power, and on its termination Mr Henry Erskine found his seat in Parliament dain even a pun, either in prose c Bupplied at the next di.isolution by Sir J. H. Maxwell, Bart. It was thus, that although twice Lord Advocate, he did not tions ; and such was the happy texture of continue in office above two years and a half his temper, and the indescribable buoyancy during the course of a long life, and had of his spirits, that disease itself could neither accordingly a glimpse rather than a full subdue the constancy of his mind, nor possession of power. It can never be said, entirely deprive him of that playful gaiety however, that he abused his high station by for which he was so eminently distinguished. any undue exertion of power, or disgraced It is no small proof of the general respect iu himself by au equivocal assumption of pre- which the memory of this amiable gentle- rogative. The claims of this great officer of man was held, that his virtues and talents Btate have long been happily obsolete. In were, within a few months after his death, remote times he exercised a degree of autho- commemorated by several jiersons of distinc- rity utterly incompatible with a free govern- tion. The following observations have been

ment ; and even within the memory of the .attributed to Mr (afterwards Lord) Jeffrey, last generation, a parUamentary inquiry of Edinburgh,— a man of letters of no small disclosed such a flagrant act of injustice in a repute : " In his long and sjilendid career remote county, that the shield of power at the bar, Mr Erskine was distinguished, even could not shelter the perpetrator from not only by the peculiar brilliancy of his the reproach he merited. At length Mr wit, and the gracefulness, ease, and vivacity Erskine's constitution began to give way by of his eloquence, but by the still rarer power

the pressure of disease ; and his good sense of keeping those seductive qualities in per- wisely prompted him to withdraw from the fect subordination to his jiidgmeut. By bar. This occurred in 1812, and the five their assistance, he could not only make the remaining years of his life were burdened by most repulsive sul.ijects agreealile, but the maladies of various kinds. At this time he most abstruse easy and intelligible. In hia occasionally had recourse to travel, and profession, indeed, all his wit wa.s argument, went to England, where he resided for some and each of his delightful illustrations a time. At other periods he frequented the miteri.al step in his reasoning. To himself watering and sea-bathing places, but without it seemed always as if they were recom- finding relief. Medical aid having also mended rather for their use than for their proved unavailing, his amiable wife (the beauty. And unquestionably they often second, whom, as Mrs Turnbull, he had enabled him to state a fine argument or a nice married, after the death of bis first, in 1804) distinction." The followiug— tribute is from and family were reluctantly forced to despair the pen of another friend : " The character of his recovery. Their fears proved but too of Mr Erskine's eloquence bore a strong true, for he died at his country seat in West resemblance to tliat of his noble brother iiothian, on the 8th October 1817, when he (Lord Erskine), but being much less diffuse, had nearly completed the seventy-first year it was better CiUculated to leave a forcible

of his age. In his person, Mr Henry Erskine impression ; he had the art of concentrating

was tall and graceful ; in height he surpassed his ideas, and presenting them at once in so both his brothers, and in the first bloom of luminous and irresistible a form, as to ren- youth was considered handsomi der his hearers masters of the view he took

of his subject ; which, however dry or com- |)lex in its nature, never failed to become

himself and family, of a domestic entertaiuing and instructive in his hands ; Even in the early part of his life he was for, to professional knowledge of the highest temperate, and in the latter, abstemious. order, he united a most extensive auiiuaiut- It has been observed of men of wit in general auce with history, literature, and .science, and a thorough conversaucy with luuoau life, and mnr.al and political philosophy. most pleasant, and althoug The writer of this article has witnessed with himself the enjoyment of all expensive plea- pleasure and astonishment the widely diffe- sures, yet, so far as his means extended, he rent emotions excited by the aiua/.ing powers was ever indulgent to those around him. of his oratory; fervid and .atfectiiig iu the Mr Erskine was always addicted to a extreme, when the occasion called for it, and country life. He talked of cultivating his no less powerful, in opposiite circumstances, lands at Ammondell with delight, and when by the ]iotency of wit, and the brilUancy of in London had been heard to indulge in the comic humour which constantly excited rapturous hope of returning to gather in his shouts of laughter throughout the precincts harvest. Accordingly, when he withdrew of the court, the mirthful glee even extending from practice, he spent the greater jiart of to the ermined sages, who found too much his life in this rural retreat. He had con- amusement in the scene to check the fasci- structed a beautiful little vUla, and created uatmg author of it. He assisted the great 172 EES FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHY. powers of his understanding by an indefatig- fare, or to the domestic felicity of those able industry, not commouly annexed to around him. In the words of an ehiquent extraordinary genius ; he lt his mind open writer, he was a man to choose for a for the aduiis.sion of knowletlge, by the most superior, to trust as a friend, and to hive as unaffected modesty of dei)urtment. The a brotker ; the ardency of his efforts to pro- harmony of his ]ieriods, and the accuracy of mote the ha]i]iiness of his fellow-creatures, his expressit)ns, in his most unpremeditated was a prominent feature in his character; speeclies, weren.it am.Mig the least of his his very faults had their origin in the exces- oratorical acc.iui].Hshuiruts. In the most cessive confidence of too liberal a spirit, the rapid of his Hi-lits, when his tongue could uncircumscribed beneficence of too warm a scarce keep pace witli his thoughts, he never heart. It has been remarked of a dis- failed to seize the clioieest words in the tinguished actor that he was less to be treasury of our hiugu;i-e. Tlie apt, beauti- envied whilst receiving the meed <reseuting of ill health, but the native sweetness of his temjier remained unclouded, and during the had ajiplied to him ice, the futility jiainfuUy jirotracted sufferings of his last of catering into a '. ivith a wealthy illness the language of complaint was never neighbour, having no means of heard to escape his lips, nor the shadow of d for answer- discontent seen to cloud his countenance. ' Ye dinna ken what ye say, maister, Nothing in his life became him like the there's uae a puir man in Scotland need to leaving of it ; he looked jiatieully forward vajit afreend or fear an cnemij whi\ti Harrii to the termination of his painful existence,

Srskiiic lives. ' How much honour does this and received with mild complacency the Bimjile sentence convey to the generous and intelligence of his danger, while the ease benevolent object of it ! He had, indeed, a and happinessof those whose felicity through claim to the affection and respect of all who life had been his primary consideration were were within the knowledge of his extraordi- never absent from his thoughts." It is difficult to contemplate such a character as With a mind that was superior to fe.ir and Mr Erskine's without feehng that were incapable of corruption, regulated by uu- there many Erskines one should learn to deviating principles of integrity and unifor- think better of mankind. The general voice mity, elevated in adversity as in ]«-osi)erity, placed him, while living, high among tli^ neither subdued by pleasure into effeminacy, illustrious characters of his age. May the nor sunk into dejection by distress —in no humble memorial the writer is now giving situation of his life was he ashamed or the public preserve his name unblemished afraid of discharging his duty, but constant by misrepresentation till some more equal to the Uod whom he worshipped, he evinced pen shall hand it down to posterity as a his confidence in the faith he professed bt/ bright example of what great usefulness liLs tirthnis : to his friends he was faithful, extraordinary talents may prove to society, to his enemies ^/cntrnus, ever ready to sacri- when under the direction of sound judgment, fice his httle private interests and pleasures incorruptible integrity, and enlarged philan- to what he conceived to be the public wel- thropy. It is not a little singular, that it 173 FIFESHIEE BIOGRAPHY. EES is doubtful whether a good portrait of Mr office of Mr (afterwards Baron) Wood, Henry Erskine actually exists. where he continued for some months after ERSKINE, Thomas, Lord Erskine, was he had obtained considerable business at the youngest son of David Henry, tenth the bar. Mr Erskine having completed the Earl of Buchan. He was born in the year probationivry period alloted for his attend- 1750. He resided with his father and his ance in the Inns of Court, was called to the family at vSt Andrews while receiving his bar in 1778, and in the very outset of his education at the Grammar )School, and legal career, while yet of only one term's afterwards at the I'uivei-sity of that city. standing, made a most brilliant display of At a very early age he had imbibed a strong professional talent in the case of Captain predilection for a naval life ; and the Baillie, against whom the Attorney-GeneraJ limited means of his family rendering an had moved for leave to file a criminal infor- early adoption of some profession neces- mation in the Court of King's Bench, for a sary, he was allowed to enter the service libel on the Earl of Sandwich. In the course as a midshipman, under Sir John Lind- of this, his first speech, Mr Erskine dis- say, nephew to the celebrated Earl of played the same undaunted spirit which Mansfield. Young Erskine embarked at marked his whole career. He attacked the Leith, and did not put foot again on his noble Earl in a strain of severe invective. native soil for many years. He never, it is Lord Mansfield, observing the young counsel believed, held the commission of lieutenant, heated with his subject, and growing per- although he acted for some time in that sonal on the fii-st Lord of the Admiralty, capacity by the special appointment of his told him, "that Lord Sandwich was not captain, whose kindness in this instance before the Court." " I know," replied the ultimately led to his eleve's abandoning the undaunted orator, " that he is not formally service altogether, when required to resume before the Court, but for that very reason the inferior station of a midshipman. After I will bring him before the Court. He has a service of four years he quitted the nai-y, placed there men in the front of the battle, and entered the army, as an ensign in the in hopes to escape under their shelter ; but Royals or 1st Kegkaeut of Foot, in 1708. In I will not join in battle with them. Tlieir 1770 he married an amiable and accom- vices, though screwed u[} to the higliest phshed woman, and shortly afterwards went pitch of human dejjravity, are not of dignity with his regiment to Minorca, where he enough to vindicate the combat with me ; si>ent three years. While in the army, he I will drag him to light, who is the dark acquired great reputation for the versatility mover behind this scene of iniquity. I and acuteness of his conversational powers. sissert that the Earl of Sandwich has but Boswell, who met with the young officer in one road to escape out of this business with- a mixed company in London, mentions the out pollution and disgrace, and that is by pleasure which Dt Johnson condescended publicly disavowing the acts of the prose- to express on hearing him—an approbation cutors, and restoring Captain Baillie to his which assures us that the young Scotch- command." Mr Erskine's ne.xt speech was man's colloquial talents were of no ordinary for Mr Caman, a bookseller, at the bar kind, and possessed something more than of the House of Commons, against the mere brilliancy or fluency even at that early monopoly of the two Universities in print- period of his life. It was the knowledge of ing almanacks. Lord North, then Prime these quahties of mind which induced his Minister and Chaucellor of Oxford, had mother to urge him to devote the great introduced a bill into the House of Com- energies of his mind to the study of the law mons for re-vesting the Universities in their and jurisprudence of his country. Her monopoly, which had fallen to the ground advice, seconded by the counsel of a few by certain judgments which Carnan had judicious friends, was adopted, and in his obtained in the courts of law. The opposi- twenty-seventh year Thomas Erskine re- tion to the Premier's measure was considered nounced the guttering profession of arms ' all but hopeless. But, to the honour of the for the graver studies of law. He entered House, the bill was rejected by a majority as a fellow-commoner of Trinity College, of 45 votes. Not long after having gained [

Cambridge, in the year 1777, merely to ob- I this triumiih, Mr Erskine made a most tain a degree to which he was entitled as splendid appearance for the man of the the son of a nobleman, .and thereby sh

I rister finds liimself hampered at every step, I deed, manifested symptoms of returning

Mr Erskine became a pupil of Mr (after- hfe at an after period ; but we shall see I wards Judge) Buller, then an eminent with what noble indignation its extirpator special pleader, and discharged his laborious launched a second irresistible shaft at the and servile avocation at the desk with all reviving reptile. Lord George's impeach- I the persevering industry of a common at- ment arose out of the foUowiug circum- torney's clerk. Upon the promotion of his stances :—Sir George Saville had introduced preceptor to the bench, he entered into the a bill into Parliament for the reUef of the 174 ER3 FIFESHIRE BIOGKAPHY.

Roman Catholics of England from some of tried for i>ublishing a libil against the the penalties they were subject to by the Commons' House of Parliament, has been test laws. The good effects of this measure pronounced the first in oratorical talent, were immefliately felt, and in the very next and is certainly not the last in importance, session it was proposed to extend the ope- of Mr Erskine 's speeches. This trial may ration of similar measures to Scotland. be termed the case of libels ; and the doctrine This produced m.any popular tumults in maintained and expounded in it, by Mr Scotland, particularly in Edinlairgli, where Erskine, is the fountlation of that liberty the mob destroyed some Popish chajiels, which the press enjoys in this country. and produced a reaction of feeling ju that When the House of Commons ordered the country also. A number of Protestant impeachment of Warren Hastings, the societies were formed in both parts of the articles were drawn up by Mr Burke, who kingdom for the purpose of obtaining the infused into them all that fervour of thought repeal of Saville's act, as a measure fraught and expression which ever characterised his with danger to the con.stitution both of compositions. The articles so prepared, Church and State. In November 1779, instead of being confined to the records of Lord George Gordon, the younger brother the House until they were carried up to the of the Duke of Goi-don, and at that time a Lords for trial, were printed and allowed to member of the House of Commons, became be sold in every bookseller's shop in the President of the Associated Protestants of kingdom, before the accused was placed

London ; and, on the memorable 2d of .June upon his trial ; and, undoubtedly, from the 1780, while proceeding to present a petition style and manner of their composition, against concession to Roman Catholics, made a deep and general impression upon signed by 44,000 Protestants, was attended the public mind against Mr Hastings. To by a mob so numerous, and who conducted repel or neutralise the effect of the publica- themselves so outrageously, as for a moment tion of the charges, Mr Logan, one of the to extinguish .all police and government in ministers of Leith, wrote a ]iamphlet. which the citv of Liiudnn. For this indignity Stockdale published, containing several offered ti' the person of royalty itself, Lord severe and unguarded reflections upon the George ami suvi-ral others were committed conduct of the managers of the impeach- to the Tower. Upon his trial, Mr Ei-skine ments, which the House of Commons deemed delivered a speech, less remarkable perhaps highly contemptuous and libellous. The for dazzling eloquence, than for the clear publisher was accordingly tried on an infor- texture of the whole argument maintained mation filed by the Attorney -General. In in it. A singularly daring p.ass.age occurs the speech delivered by Mr Erskine upon in this speech, which the feeling of the this occasion, the very highest efforts of the moment alone could prompt the orator to orator and the rhetorician were united to all utter. After reciting a variety of circum- the coolness and precision of the nisi prius Btances in Lord George Gordon's conduct lawyer. It was this rare faculty of com- which tended to prove that the idea of re- bining the highest genius with the minutest sorting to absolute force and compulsion by attention to whatever might put his case in armed violence was never once contemplated the s.afest position, which rendered Mr by the prisoner, he breaks out with this ex- Erskine the most consummate advocate of traordinary exclamation—" I say, by God, the age. To estimate the mightiness of that man is a ruffian who shall, after this, that effort by which he defeated his power- presume to build upon such honest, artless ful antagonists in this case, we must re- conduct as an evidence of guilt." But for member the imposing circumstances of Mr the sympathy which the orator must have Hastings' trial—the "terrible, unceasing, felt to exist at the moment between himself exhaustless artillery of warm zeal, matchless and his audience, this singular effort must vigour of understanding, consuming and have been fatal to the cause it was designed devouring eloquence, united with the highest to support ; as it was, however, the sensa- dignity," to use the orator's own language, tion produced by these words, and the look, which was then daily pouring forth upon voice, gesture, and whole manner <»f the the man in whose defence Logan had written speaker, were trememlous. The result is and Stockdale published. It was amidst passion well known ; but it may not be equally well the blaze of and prejudice that Mr known that Dr Johnson himself, notwith- Erskine extorted that verdict, which rescued standing his hostility to the test law, was his client from the punishment which a highly gratified by the verdict which was whole people seemed interested in awarding obtained. "I am glad," said he, "that against the reviller of its collective majesty. Lord George Gordon has escaped, rather And, be it remembered, that, in defending than a precedent should be established of Stockd.ale, the advocate by no means iden- handng a man for constructive treason." tified his cause with a defence of Hastings. In 1783 Jlr Erslrotested and appealed to the tutor and chaplain in the family of the Earl ne\t Assembly. To his protest, Messrs of Rothes. He was licensed to preach by William Wilson of Perth, Alexander Mou- the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy in February crieff of Abernethy, and James Fisher of 1703, and iu the succeeding September was Kinclaven, ministers, adhered. The As- ordained minister of Portmoak, Kinross- sembly, which met in May 1733, refused to shire. E.xemplary in the diseliarge of his hear the reasons of protest, but took up the ministerial duties, and ilevoted to his cause as it stood between Mr Erskine and people, he soon became popular amongst the Synod ; and, after hearing ]iarties, them. In the various religious contests of " found the expressions vented by him, and the period he took an active part, particu- contained in the minutes of Synod, and his larly iu tlie famous M.arrow Controversy, in answers thereto, to be offensive, and to which he came forward prominently in de- tend to disturb the peace and good order of fence of the doctrines, winch had been con- the Church ; and therefore approved of the demned by the General Assembly, contained proceedings of the Synod, and appointed in the work entitled "The Marrow of him to be rebuked and admonished by the Modern Divinity." He revised and cor- Moderator at their bar, in order to termi- rected the representation and petition pre- nate the process." Against tliis decisitm sented to the -Vssembly on the suliject, Mr Erskine lodged a ])rotest, vindicating his May 11, 1721, whii-h was originally com- claim to the liberty of testifying against the ])osed by Mr Boston; and drew up the corruptions and defections of the Church original

ERS FIFESHIEB BIOGKAPHY. ER3 " Moderator, deposed from the office of the Balgarvie, Fifeshire, of the noble family o{ holy ministry." In the eubsequeot Decem- Leven and Melville, was born in 1695. He ber, the four ejected ministers met together became a member of the Faculty of Advo- at the Bridge of Gairney, near Kinross, and cates in 1719 ; and in 1737, on the death of after prayer and pious conference, consti- Professor Bayne, succeeded him as Profes- tuted themselves into a Presbytery, and sor of Scots Law in the University of thus originated the Secession Church in Edinburgh. His abilities and reputation as Scotland. The General Assembly of 1734, a lecturer soon attracted numerous young actinic in a conciliatory spirit, rescinded men to his class. In 1754 he published his several of th6 more obnoxious acts, and " Principles of the Law of Scotland," which authorised the Synod of Perth to restore thenceforth became a manual for students. the four brethren to communion, and In 1765 he resigned the professorship, and their respective charges, which was done retired from public life, occupying the next accordingly by the vSynod at its next meet- three years chiefly in preparing for publica- ing, on the 2d July. The seceding mini- tion his "Institute of the Law of Scot- sters, however, refused to accept the boon, land," which, however, did not appear till and published their reasons for this refusal. 1773, five years after his death. The Insti- On forming themselves into the " Associate tute continues to be regarded as the standard Presbytery," they had published a " Testi book of reference in the courts of law of mony to the Doctrine, Worship, and Disci Scotland. Mr Erskine died March 1, 1768, pline of the Church of Scotland." In at Cardross, the estate of his grandfather. December 173G they published a second ERSKINE, Rev. Dr John, was bom on testimony, in which they condemned what the 2d June 1721. He was the eldest son of they considered the leading defections of John Erskine of Camock, the celebrated both Church and State since 1650. In author of the "Institutes of the Law of February 1737, Mr Ralph Erskine, minister Scotland." His mother was Margaret, of Dunfermline, brother to Ebenezer, and daughter of the Hon. James Melville of Mr Thomas Mair, minister of Orwell, joined Balgarvie, of the noble family of Leven and the Associate Presbytery, and soon after Melville. He received the rudiments of his two other ministers also acceded to it. In classical education, assisted by a private the Assembly of 1739 the eight brethren tutor, at the school of Cupar, in Fife, and at were cited to appear, when they gave in a the High School of Edinburgh, and entered paper called " The Declinature," in which the University there in the winter of 17:U-5. they denied the Assembly's authority over Being originally destined for the bar, ha them, or any of their members, and declared attended some of the law classes, but his that the church judicatories " were not law- inclination leading him to prefer the study ful nor right constituted courts of Jesus of theology, he was, in 1743, hcensed to Christ." In the Assembly of 1740 they preach by the Presbytery of Dunblane. In were all fonnaUy deposed from the office of 1741, before he was twenty years of age, the ministry. In that year, a meeting- Mr Erskine had written and published house was built for Mr Erskine by his anonymously a pamphlet entitled "The hearers at Stirling, where he continued to Law of Nature sufficiently propagated to officiate to a very numerous congregation the Heathen World," or an " Enquiry into till his death. Being chosen Professor of the ability of the Heathens to discover the Divinity to the United Associate Synod, Being of a God, and the ImmortaUty of he held that office for a short time, and Human Souls," being intended as an answer resigned it on account of his health in 1749. to the erroneous doctrines maintained by He died June 2, 1754, aged seventy-four. Dr Campbell, then Professor of Divinity at " He had been twice married ; first, in 1704, St Andrews, in his treatise on the Neces- to Alison Turpie, daughter of a writer in sity of Revelation." Having sent a copy of Leven, by whom he had ten children, and this pamphlet to Dr Warburton and Dr who died in 1720 ; and secondly, in 1724, to Doddridge, they both expressed then- high Mary, daughter of the Rev. James Webster, approval of it in a correspondence which it minister of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh, was the means of opening up between them. by whom he also had several children. Four In May 1744, Mr Erskine was ordained volumes of his sermons were printed at minister of Kirkintilloch, in the Presbytery Glasgow in 1762, and a fifth at Edinburgh of Glasgow, where he remained until the in 1765. A new Secession Church, in South year 1 753, when he was presented to the Portland Street, Gla.sgow, bears the name parish of Cuboss, in the Presbytery of of " Erskine Church," in memory of Ebe- Dunfermline. In June 1758 he was trans- nezer Erskine and his brother Ralph. The lated to the New Greyfriars, one of the principles for which the fathers of the churches of Edinburgh. In November 1766, Secession contended being now held by a the University of Glasgow conferred on him majority in the National Establishment, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, several congregations ofSecedersin Scotland and in July 1767 he was promoted to the who have adhered to their original stan- collegiate charge of Old Greyfriars, where dards, have recently returned into the bosom had for his colleague Dr Robertson. In of the church. the different parishes in which Dr Erskine ERSKINE, John, an eminent lawyer, had ministered, he had enjoyed the esteem son-in-law of the Hon. James Melville of and affection of his parishioners. They NO. xxin. EES FIFESHIRE BIOGRAPHV. ERS the were proud of him for his piety, learning, he had assisted to save his country from and ranis; they were delighted and im- horrors to which the French nation had proved by his puhlic and private instruc- been subjected was one of the most gratify- tions, and they deejily lamented his removal ing reflections which solaced Dr Erskine on when called from them to undertake the looking back on his laborious and well- more important charges to which his merit spent life. In the General Assembly of the successively promoted him. His attention Church of ScotLand he was for many years to the duties of the pastoral office was most the leiider of the popular party. There the exemplary, and his benevolent consolation o|ienness and integrity of his character se- and advice, which were at the service of all cured him the confidence and affection of his who required them, secured him the respect friends, and the esteem and respect of his and aftection of his flock, who long remem- oi.).nn."nts. The friendship which subsisted bered him with feelings of the warmest liftwecn him and Principal Robertson, the gratitude. No man ever had a keener leaiJer of the Moderate party, has been ob- rehsh for the pleasures of conversation, hut jected to by some of his more rit'id admirers to liberality in these he considered that he ought not as displaying too great a degree of ; indulge, conceiving his time and talents to a fact strongly illustrative of the rancour be entirely the property of his parishionei-s. which existed in foi-mer times among church At college he had made great attainments parties. The courtesy which marked Dr in classical learning, and through life he Erskine's conduct to Princii)al Robertson retained a fondness for the cultivation cpf throughout their lives, anil the candour literature and philosopliy. He refrained, which led him to bear testimony to the however, from their pursuit, resti'ictiug high talents and many estimable qualities himself in a great measure to the discharge of the historian in the funeral sermon which of hia important religious duties. But he preached on the death of that great man, though literature was not allowed to engross did equal honour to Dr Erskine's head and a large share of his attention, still, by much his heart. The f.illowing anecdote has been exertion, and by economising his time, he told of one rupture of tlie friendship which was enabled to maintain a perfect acquaint- had subsisted in earlv life between Principal ance with the progress of the arts and Robertson and Dr Erskine :-Mr White- sciences. About the time when Dr Erskine field, who was sent by the English 5Ietho- obtained his license, a remarkable concern dists as a missionary into Scotland, at first for religion had been exhibited in the British formed a connection with the Seceders, Colonies of North America. In order to the body which had left the Established

obtain the earhest and most authentic Church : but when he refused to confine religious intelligence from these provinces, his ministrations to them, they declared he commenced a con-espondence with those eimiity against him, and his character chiefly concerueil in bringing about thi.s liecanie a controversial topic. Mr Erskine change. Nor was this correspondence con- ai^i lears to have been a great admirer of the fined to America ; he also opened a com- character of this celebrated preacher. It munication with several divines of the most unfortunately happened that at the time distinguished piety on the Continent of "when the friends and enemies of Mr White- Europe. This intercourse he assiduously field were keenlj' engaged in discussing his cultivated and carried on during the whole merits, the question as to his character and of his fife. One of the objects professed by usefulness was made the subject of debate the promoters of those revolutionary prin- in a literary society which Robertson and ciples which, toward the close of the last Erskine had formed. Conflicting opinions century, threatened the suliversion of social were expressed, .and the debate was con- order in Europe, was the destruction of aU ducted with so much zeal and asperity that Christian Church establishments, and an it occasioned not only the dissolution of the association was actually formed on the society, but also a temporary interruption of Continent for this purpose. Dr Ei-skine, the private friendship and intercourse which however, having, in the course of his re- subsisted between Ersldne and Robertson. searches into the state of religion, discovered There is another anecdote of these two the existence of this association, gave the great men which tells more favourably for alarm to his countrymen, and Professor Dr Erskine's moderation and command of Robinson and the AbbiS Barruil soon after tein|ier, and at the same time shows the investigated its rise and progress, and un- influence which he had acquired over the folded its dangers. The patriotic exertions Edinburgh mob. During the disturbances of these good men were crowned with in Edinburgh in the years 1778-9, occa- success. Many of those who had been sioned by the celebrated bill proposed at imposed upon by the specious arguments that time to be introduced into Parliament then in vogue were recalled to a sense i>f for the repeal of the penal statutes .against [inpu- reason and duty ; and even the multitude the loiUKin Catholirs in Sc.itland, the were awakened to a sense of the impending lace of Edinburgh assembled in tlie College * danger, when the true character of the Court with the intention of demolishing the religion and morahty of those political house of Princip.al Robertson, who had regenerators were disclosed and illustrated taken an active part in advocating the abo- by the practical commentary which the state Ution of these jien.al laws, and there seems of France afforded. The consideration that to be little doubt that the mob would have 178 ERS FIFESHI-RK BIOGRAPHY. FAI

their defi- carried threats into execution in was of ; antiquated turn of argument and ance of the military, had not J.)r ErsUine metapuor, but it only served to give zest apjieared, and by his jiresence ami exhorta- and peculiarity to the style of elocution. tions disriersed tliem. Ur Erskine's o|iiiiions The sermon was not read—a scrap of paper both in Climcll and State politics will Ijc best coutaioiug the lieails of his discourse was understood from the foUowiug short account occasionally referred to, and the enunciation, of the part which lie took on several of the which at first seemed imperfect and embar- im|iortant discussions which divided the rassed, became, as the preacher warmed in his life. country during In the year 1709, his progi-ess, animated and distinct ; and on the ocuasiou ,,f the lireacli with Auieric-a, althnugii the discourse could not be quoted as a. cunert spuiiinu of pulpit eloquence, ig tin yet MaiuM ring bad seldom heard so much test. lit Karuiug, metal ibysical acuteness, and energy > Can; of arguiiaut limuglit into the service of the liomau CathoUc religi.iiit.. b. rather too ('bristianity. ' Such,' he said, going out of nmch favoured. In 177s, wiien the attempt the eluiixli, ' must have been the preachers t.i whose uiifi-ariug uiinds and acute, though enactments against the Koman t'atlinhcs of sometimes rudely exercised talents, we own Great Britain, he siguified his aitpreheiisiini the reformation.' ' And yet that rev. gentle- of the consequences, in a correspondence man, wdiom I love for his father's sake and his between him and Mr Burke, which was own, has nothing of the sour or pharisaical published ; and tinaUy, we have already seen pride w-hich has been imputed to some of the that he took an active and prominent part early fathers of the Calvinistic Kirk of Scot- in support of constitutional principles when land. His colleague and he differ, and head threatened by the French Revolution. In diff'erent parties iu the Kirk about particular Ida temper Dr Erskine was ardent and points of church discipline, but without for benevolent, his affections were warm, his a moment losing personal regard or respect attachments lasting, and his piety constant for each other, or suffering malignity to and most sincere ; he was remarkable for the interfere in an opposition, steady, constant, siuiphcity of his manners, and for that and conscientious on both sides.'" Having genuine humihty which is frequently the attained to the eighty-second year of his concomitant and brightest ornament of age, Dr Erskine was suddenly struck with high talents. In his Ijcuuticeiice, which a mortal disease, and died at his house iu was great, but unostentatinus, lie rtliyiously Lauriston Lane, Edinburgh, on the 19th of observed the Scripture precupt in the distri- January 1S03, after a few hours' illness. bution of his charity, and in the performance He had been from his youth of a feeble of his many good and friendly offices. We constitution, and for many years previous cannot close this short sketch of Dr Erskine to his death his appearance had been that of more appropriately than in the graphic one in the last stage of existence ; and during words of our great novelist, who, in his many winters he had been unable to perform " (iuy Mannering," has presented us, as it his sacred duties with regularity. Before were, with a living picture of this eminent he was entirely mcapacitated for public divine. "The colleague of Dr Robertson duty, his voice had become too weak to be ascended the pulpit. His external ajipear- distinctly he.ard by his congregation. StiU, ance was not prepossessing ; a remarkablj' however, the vivacity of his look and the fair complexion strangely contrasted with energy of his manner bespoke the warmth a black wig, without a grain of |)owder ; a of his heart and the ^igou^ of liis mind. narrow chest and a stoojiing posture ; hands His mental faculties remauied unimpaired which, placed like props on either side of the to the last, and unaffected by his bodily pulpit, seemed necessary rather to support decay, his memory was as good, his judg- the person than to assist the gesticulation of ment as sound, his imagination as Uvely, the preacher ; no gown, not even that of and his inchnation for study as strong aa Geneva, a tumbled band, and a gesture during his most vigorous years, and to the which seemed scarcely voluntary, were the last he was actively engaged in those pur- first circumstances which struck a stranger. suits which had foi-med the business and ' The preacher seems a very ungainly per- pleasure of his Ufe. Dr Erskine was an son,' whispered Mannering to his friend. active popular preacher and leader, and ' Never fear, he is the son of an excellent voluminous writer, and the titles of his

Scotch lawyer ; he'll show blood, I'll wan-ant books and pamphlets would fill a consider- him.' The learned counsellor predicted able space. truly. A lecture was delivered fraught with new, striking, and entertaiiung views

of Scripture history ; a sermon in which the Calvinism of the Kirk of Scotland was ably supported, yet made the basis of a F A I R F U L, The Right Reverend sound system of practical morals, which Andrew, was the son of the Rev. John should neither shelter the sinner uuder the Faiii'oul, minister of the town of An-

cloak of speculative faith, or of [leculiarity strutlier "\>' ester ; and had first been of opinion, nor leave him loose to the waves chaplain to the Earl of Rothes; next,

of unbelief and schism. Something there minister at North Ijeith ; and afterwards 179